Wilder had so many questions beforehand to answer as the media and fans picked holes in his record of 32-0 (32). His biggest wins were against nearly men Audley Harrison and Malik Scott, so the questions were valid even though America’s hope entered as a betting favourite.

What was pleasantly surprising was that Wilder boxed well behind his jab. It was like a piston sometimes and for huge parts of the fight it kept the smaller Stiverne from getting close to land his shots. The straight right power that had dispatched many of the previous 32 opponents was the punch that had most effect. Stiverne was hurt badly, especially in the seventh, as Wilder went for the kill but the granite chinned ex-champion even called for more punishment while surviving the round. The new champion showed he could mix it at the right moments but also use his head under pressure when Stiverne got close; Wilder would punch with him but then use his superior foot work and jab to quickly get out of the way, creating the distance needed to regain control.

There was to be no doubt about the outcome. Wilder had won the vast majority of the rounds and thankfully the three judges agreed as Adalaide Byrd (118-109), Jerry Roth (119-108) and Craig Metcalfe (120-107) scored the fight for the new WBC heavyweight champion from Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

For his title winning effort, Wilder made $1million, while Stiverne claimed a handy $910,000.

At the post fight press conference Wilder has stated his intent to unify the heavyweight division by fighting Wladimir Klitschko but also mentioned that his next aim was to fight Britain’s Tyson Fury.

Stiverne, sent to hospital as a precaution, was not present.

Below is my scorecard, the media scores for this fight and the official punch stats.